Raptors' Lowry out again Monday, absence could extend to heal nagging issues

At one point this season, it was Kyle Lowry Over Everything. Now, it's Kyle Lowry weakening under the weight of having carried an offense for far too long.

Lowry will sit out a second consecutive game for rest on Monday when his Toronto Raptors take on the Philadelphia 76ers, and it sounds as if that absence could extend for multiple games to help the struggling point guard remedy multiple minor issues.

Lowry sitting on Saturday, the second night of a back-to-back against a lowly New York Knicks team, was wholly justifiable, even if the Raptors did drop an embarrassing decision at MSG. A chance to sit against the equally uninspiring 76ers is fortunate timing, too, but an extended absence would leave the Raptors far less hope of emerging from their five-game losing streak and general malaise in an expeditious manner.

In 58 games, Lowry is averaging 18 points, 4.6 rebounds, seven assists and 1.5 steals with a robust 19.4 player efficiency rating, all strong marks. More complex statistics back up that he's been solid, with the first-time All-Star ranking 10th in ESPN's Real Plus-Minus-based Wins Above Replacement and 24th in Basketball-Reference's Win Shares.

But the Raptors have been struggling on both ends of the floor since the turn of the calendar, and Lowry has appeared fatigued from carrying the offense for long stretches while DeMar DeRozan was absent and, upon return, just not himself. Since Dec. 30, Lowry is shooting 36.5 percent and his averages have dipped to 15.2 points and 6.1 assists, with the team's offensive efficiency following suit.

There's still little reason for panic in Toronto, despite the team's and Lowry's poor play. They're second in the Eastern Conference and having the best regular season in franchise history, and there's ample time to get Lowry and DeRozan right. Sitting Lowry for a few games makes sense to that end, even if it means taking it on the chin against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder this week.